Today's News

WASHINGTON

The Office of Thrift Supervision issued exam guidelines for Internet banking and other electronic services that focus heavily on an institution's internal policies and controls. Page 2

Rep. John A. Boehner is leading a last-ditch effort by House Republican leaders to save the financial modernization bill. A group led by the four- term Ohio Republican, a relative neophyte in the battle among banking, insurance, and securities firms, revived the legislation just 12 days after it was declared dead. Page 3

REGIONAL BANKING

Expense tightening and increased revenues from fee-based businesses continued to help some banks' earnings. Page 4

COMMUNITY BANKING

To boost its presence in Houston, Cullen/Frost Bankers said it would acquire Harrisburg Bank in a deal analysts valued at $50 million. Page 6

Commerce Bancorp of New Jersey is expanding into Delaware with a plan to build up to 15 branches. Page 6

CORPORATE FINANCE

Though strong earnings bode well for bonus envelopes this year, gaps persist between pay at commercial and investment banks. Page 7

MORTGAGES

Insuring mortgages continues to be more profitable than originating and servicing them. Page 10

Finance companies turned in overwhelmingly positive earnings reports for the quarter, as lenders continued to originate loans at a record clip. Page 10

CREDIT/DEBIT/ATMs

Advanta's venture capital arm has added Brightware Inc. to its investment portfolio. Page 12

The sun may set on BankAmerica's credit card center in Phoenix, but its doors never close. Page 13

TECHNOLOGY

Atlanta Internet Bank selected K2 Design to create an on-line marketing and advertising campaign. Page 15

MARKET MONITOR

Cash earnings per share are finding their way onto more quarterly earnings reports this season. Page 22

Fitch Investors Service announced that it would sell to London-based IBCA, Europe's leading agency for bank and sovereign ratings, for $175 million in cash. Back page